Mysa Microschool

“Innovating Education”

At a Glance

Mysa Microschool is a private K-8 institution located at 1500 Harvard Street NW in Ward 1. As a microschool, it operates with a distinctive model designed around small class sizes and personalized learning experiences that differ from traditional classroom structures. The school serves elementary and middle school students from kindergarten through eighth grade, providing families in the District with an alternative educational approach that emphasizes individualized attention and flexibility.

The microschool model allows Mysa to tailor instruction to each student's learning style and pace, creating an environment where education connects directly to real-world experiences and applications. This approach appeals to families seeking something different from conventional school settings, whether public or traditional private institutions.

What Parents Should Know

As a private microschool, Mysa operates outside the My School DC lottery system, which means families apply directly to the school rather than through the centralized enrollment process used by DCPS and public charter schools. Private school admissions typically involve submitting an application, meeting with school leadership, and discussing whether the educational model aligns with the family's goals and the child's needs.

The K-8 grade configuration means students can potentially remain at Mysa for their entire elementary and middle school years without transitioning to a new school building. This continuity can benefit families who value long-term relationships with teachers and consistency in educational approach, though it does mean families will need to identify a separate high school option for ninth grade and beyond.

The Harvard Street NW location in Ward 1 places the school in the Columbia Heights area, which is accessible by Metro and several bus lines. Families throughout the District can potentially access this location, though considerations around commute time and transportation logistics will vary depending on where you live in DC.

Microschools typically operate with significantly smaller student populations than traditional schools, which affects the overall school experience including peer group size, extracurricular offerings, and the daily school environment. Parents considering this option should think about what class and school size will work best for their child's social and academic development.

Programs and Approach

The microschool model represents a growing educational movement that sits somewhere between traditional private schools and homeschooling. These schools typically feature mixed-age groupings, flexible scheduling, and curriculum that can be adapted to individual student needs rather than following a standardized scope and sequence for all learners at the same grade level.

Personalized learning at a microschool means that students working at different paces in different subjects is the norm rather than the exception. A student might work above grade level in one area while receiving additional support in another, with instructional approaches adjusted to match how that particular child learns best. The real-world connection emphasis suggests that learning extends beyond textbooks and worksheets to include practical applications and experiences.

Private microschools set their own tuition rates and financial aid policies. Families interested in Mysa should contact the school directly to discuss costs, payment plans, and whether any tuition assistance might be available. Private schools are not required to provide the same services and accommodations as public schools, so families of students with learning differences or disabilities should have detailed conversations about what supports the school can offer.

The small size inherent to the microschool model means the school community itself becomes an important factor—families often have closer connections with staff and other families than might occur in larger settings. This intimacy can be a significant benefit for families seeking a tight-knit educational community.

Visiting and Contact

Mysa Microschool is located at 1500 Harvard Street NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Ward 1. Families interested in learning more about the school's approach, visiting the space, or beginning the admissions process should visit https://mysaschool.org or call (301) 915-0955 for current information and tour availability.